Liupanshui Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, activities, food, accommodations, and more in Liupanshui, China. Read our guide to plan your trip now.


Liupanshui is a beautiful city located in Guizhou, Southwest China. It is a hidden gem that offers tourists endless opportunities to discover its natural attractions, rich history, unique culture, and unforgettable food. In this travel guide to Liupanshui, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your trip and make the most of your time in this captivating city.

Introduction to Liupanshui

Liupanshui, which means “Six Coiled Springs” in Chinese, is named after a beautiful natural spring in the city. It is a relatively new city, being founded only in 1978. Despite its short history, it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in China due to its scenic views, biodiversity, and rich cultural heritage.

List of Places to Visit in Liupanshui

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Liupanshui Museum: This museum is dedicated to showcasing the city’s cultural heritage. It features many exhibits that highlight the history, ethnic groups, and customs of Liupanshui.

  • Gurong Tomb: The Gurong Tomb is an ancient tomb that exhibits the way elites buried their loved ones during the Western Han Dynasty. It is an ideal location for history lovers.

  • Qianxi Returning Dragon Park: This park commemorates the epic story of the returning dragon of Qianxi. It features a sculpture dedicated to this legendary creature.

Natural Attractions of Liupanshui: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Liupanshui Geopark: The Liupanshui Geopark is a great destination for anyone interested in geology. It is located in the Luoping district of Liupanshui and features unique rock formations, gorges, and canyons that were formed over millions of years.

  • Zhongshan Park: This park is a perfect escape for nature lovers who seek breathtaking panoramic views of Liupanshui. It features a 5-kilometer walking trail, an observation deck, and many other facilities.

  • Shuicheng Million-Year Cave: The Shuicheng Million-Year Cave is one of Liupanshui’s most popular tourist destinations. It features limestone formations, underground waterfalls, and other breathtaking natural scenery.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Liupanshui

  • Mt. Emei Nature Reserve: Mt. Emei Nature Reserve is a paradise for hikers and bikers. It features over 2000 plant species, 300 bird species, and many other animals that call this area home. The reserve has nine major routes that cater to different skill levels.

  • Zhenzhu Peaks: For those seeking a challenging hike, Zhenzhu Peaks is perfect. The trail consists of steep climbs and descents and takes about 2-3 days to complete. Along the trail, hikers are rewarded with stunning scenery of peaks and valleys.

Best Things to Do in Liupanshui: Activities and Tours

  • Hot Spring Bathing: Liupanshui is famous for its hot springs. There are many hot springs in the city that offer a relaxing and therapeutic experience.

  • Rafting on the Beipan River: For adventure enthusiasts, rafting on the Beipan River is a must-do activity. It is a challenging and adrenaline-pumping experience that takes you through stunning scenery of mountains and forests.

  • Ethnic Cultural Tour: Liupanshui is home to many ethnic groups, each with their unique customs and traditions. Taking an ethnic cultural tour is an immersive experience that allows you to learn about different cultures.

Week-Long Itinerary for Liupanshui

Day Activities
1 Visit Liupanshui Museum and Gurong Tomb
2 Explore Qianxi Returning Dragon Park and Liupanshui Geopark
3 Hike Mt. Emei Nature Reserve
4 Enjoy a hot spring bath and relax
5 Raft on the Beipan River
6 Visit Shuicheng Million-Year Cave and Zhongshan Park
7 Ethnic Cultural Tour

Food and Drink Scene of Liupanshui

Must-Try Dishes

  • Miao-style Sour Fish: The Miao-style sour fish is a popular dish in Liupanshui. It’s made by marinating fresh fish with chili oil, sour soup, and other seasonings.

  • Cold Noodles: Cold noodles are a popular snack in Liupanshui, especially during the summer months. They are served cold with a spicy and tangy sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Rice Wine: Rice Wine is a traditional alcoholic beverage in Liupanshui that you must try. It is made by fermenting glutinous rice with herbs and other ingredients.

  • Pu’er Tea: Liupanshui is famous for its tea plantations, especially the Pu’er tea. It is a fermented tea that is known for its medicinal properties.

Where to Stay in Liupanshui: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hualian Grand Hotel Liupanshui: This hotel offers cozy rooms and exceptional service, located close to many city attractions.

  • 7 Days Inn Liupanshui Wangxian Bridge: This budget-friendly hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms with modern amenities.

  • Mr. Tong’s Guesthouse: This guesthouse is an excellent option for budget travelers looking for a homely atmosphere. It is located near many city attractions and offers free Wi-Fi.

What to Buy in Liupanshui: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Miao Silverware: Liupanshui is an excellent place to buy Miao silverware, which is a traditional craft of the Miao ethnic group. The silverware comes in many designs and is an excellent souvenir.

  • Tea and Herbs: Liupanshui is famous for its tea and herbs. Bringing back some Pu’er tea or other herbs is an excellent way to savor the flavors of Liupanshui at home.

Local Culture and Customs of Liupanshui

Liupanshui is home to many ethnic groups, with the Miao ethnic group being the most prominent. The local customs and traditions revolve around agriculture, and they have their unique festivals throughout the year. Visitors can participate in some of these festivals and learn about the culture and customs of the locals.

Best Time to Visit Liupanshui

The best time to visit Liupanshui is from April to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and tourists can enjoy many outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and rafting.

Do’s and Don’ts of Liupanshui

Do:

  • Try the local food and beverages.

  • Learn about the local culture and customs.

  • Respect the local traditions and beliefs.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing when visiting temples and other religious sites.

  • Disrespect the local customs and traditions.

  • Engage in illegal activities, such as theft or drug use.

Safety and Health

Safety in Liupanshui

Liupanshui is a safe city, but tourists are advised to take precautions, such as avoiding dimly lit areas at night or carrying valuables openly.

Health in Liupanshui

There are no significant health risks associated with travel to Liupanshui. However, it’s advisable to take precautions, such as drinking bottled water or carrying insect repellent, as some areas may have a higher risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

Getting to Liupanshui: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Liupanshui

  • Liupanshui Yuezhao Airport: This airport is the closest to Liupanshui and offers domestic flights to major Chinese cities.

Bus Stations Near Liupanshui

  • Liupanshui Long-Distance Bus Station: This station connects Liupanshui to many major cities in China.

Other Options

  • Train: Liupanshui has a train station that connects it to many major cities in China.

  • Car Rental: Car rental services are also available in Liupanshui.

How to Get Around in Liupanshui

The best way to get around Liupanshui is by taking a taxi or bus. Taxis are readily available and affordable, while buses connect different parts of the city at a low fare.

Where to Go Next from Liupanshui: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Guiyang: Guiyang is the capital of Guizhou province and is known as China’s summer resort. It is located 170km from Liupanshui.

  • Zunyi: Zunyi is a city located in the northern part of Guizhou province, famous for its Red Army history. It is located 177km from Liupanshui.

Conclusion

Liupanshui is a hidden gem that offers a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and mouth-watering cuisine. It’s a perfect destination for those seeking an authentic and off-the-beaten-track travel experience in China. Use this guide to plan your Liupanshui itinerary that includes the best attractions, activities, food, and accommodations.

The Duge Bridge over the Beipan River canyon, with 565 m the highest in the world. The Duge Bridge over the Beipan River canyon, with 565 m the highest in the world.